Best Pool Hotels in Victoria & Vancouver Island

A landmark in its own right, the Fairmont Empress Hotel is easily recognized by its old-fashioned facade. The elegant building (a National Historic Site of Canada) draped in emerald green ivy opened its doors in 1908 and was designed by the same architect of the Parliament Buildings nearby. Plus, a $60 million renovation completed in 2017 has restored the hotel's interior to its former glory. Accommodations are outfitted with king- or queen-sized beds and offer views of the city, courtyard or the Inner Harbour, though recent guests said the bathrooms are on the smaller side. The Gold level luxury rooms and suites include continental breakfast, free evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and access to a private lounge. During your stay, step back in time and embrace the Victorian tradition of afternoon tea at the hotel. For other eats on-site, head to The Q at the Empress, which serves locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. After your meal, indulge in a relaxing Willow Stream Spa treatment, also recently renovated. And if you're a Le Club AccorHotels program member and choose to stay here, you'll be able to earn frequent flier miles.

Situated about 10 miles northwest of the city, The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa is a remote resort village spanning 1,300 acres and featuring two Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf courses and 156 accommodations. Recent guests compliment this Westin's comfortable beds, spacious rooms and mountain lodge-like feel (complete with lobby and in-room wooden paneling). All rooms come with queen- or king-sized Westin Heavenly beds, deep soaking tubs, a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen and free Internet access. Golfers praise the lush greens and attentive staff on both on-site golf courses. If you're not a golfer, you can relax at the Sante Spa with a body wrap or a massage. Cap off your evening with food and cocktails at one of the three hotel eateries. Previous patrons particularly praise the intimate ambiance at The Cellar, which offers private dining for 10 to 20 guests, as well as wine tastings on Friday evenings. This destination is farther away from Victoria's main attractions, so you'll need to rent a car or catch a taxi to reach the city's center. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Victoria's Oak Bay Beach Hotel impresses guests with its breathtaking setting, quality customer service and its well-equipped rooms, all of which feature fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated tile floors. For dining, you'll find The Dining Room, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant setting. There's also the Snug Pub, which guests commend for its jovial atmosphere and traditional pub eats like fish and chips. If you're in a hurry, venture to Kate's Café for light fare like sandwiches, soups and pastries. Also on-site you'll find the Boathouse Spa & Baths, which offer a variety of treatments. For more adventurous endeavors, sign up for a whale-watching excursion or enjoy wine-tasting in popular wineries found in villages like Saanichton and the Cobble Hill district – both of which are located approximately 20 miles north of the hotel. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows usher in plenty of natural light in each room at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa –  one of the aspects visitors enjoy most. This contemporary property sits across the harbor from downtown Victoria, affording views of the Parliament Buildings and the lively Inner Harbour. The hotel's prime location puts the property close to some of the city's top attractions. Sporting a sleek, modern decor, rooms are furnished with 37-inch flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Visitors can take time to unwind at the spa, which offers a variety of treatments. And with 14 event spaces to choose from, the Ocean Pointe Resort serves as a hub for business travelers. When hunger sets in, venture to LURE Restaurant & Bar, which serves a regionally-sourced menu with a side of striking harbor views. And if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can cash in your points for a free night or save them for a future stay.

The Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour's location in downtown Victoria – within walking distance to many of the city's top sites like the Parliament Buildings and the Craigdarroch Castle – is its main draw. The hotel sits a few blocks back from the Inner Harbour's waterfront and guests say it provides more affordable lodging than other properties in the area. Previous visitors note that they're consistently greeted with clean accommodations and comfortable beds, along with minifridges, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. When you're not exploring the city, you can enjoy time at the hotel's indoor pool and whirlpool. And if you work up an appetite, the property's Fire & Water Fish and Chophouse restaurant will satiate your hunger with a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Though some recent visitors do lament the hotel's steep parking fees ($16 CAD daily), most travelers agree the hotel offers an excellent value. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Set on the edge of South Pender Island (one of the Southern Gulf Islands found off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island), Poets Cove provides travelers with a relaxing place to unwind. This remote resort — accessible by ferry from Victoria or Vancouver — offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and golf. You can also get better acquainted with the local wildlife by tagging along on a whale-watching excursion or taking a scuba diving class. When you're not out exploring, lounge by the heated outdoor pool, play a round of tennis or take your pick from three varied dining venues. Despite all of Poets Cove's activities, it's the resort's charming ambiance that guests can't stop raving about. Accommodations here range from standard guest rooms to cottages to villas, all of which feature fireplaces, private balconies and beautiful views of the water or the hotel grounds. Travelers recommend renting a cottage to have access to a full kitchen and an outdoor barbecue.

A quiet and comfortable Japanese-inspired atmosphere welcomes guests at the Inn at Laurel Point. Situated along the Inner Harbour, this hotel is close to many of Victoria's top attractions and just steps from the Victoria Clipper Ferry dock. All rooms come with balconies, complimentary Internet access and minifridges, but some previous visitors say there is a stark difference between the standard accommodations in the Laurel Wing and the more luxurious suites in the Erickson Wing. Some past guests call the basic Laurel rooms outdated, describing the balconies as small and the views mediocre. If you're looking for a swankier stay, book a room in the Erickson Wing, which offers spacious studios and suites, deep soaking tubs and the best views of the harbor, according to previous travelers. Japanese gardens — complete with an herb garden and a waterfall — surround the property. The hotel's Japanese influence carries over to flavor in dishes at the restaurant, AURA. If you have some time to relax, you can do so at the pool or with an in-room spa treatment.

Hugging the shores of the Inner Harbour, the Hotel Grand Pacific is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. The hotel's proximity to restaurants, shopping and popular things to do in the area make it a coveted spot for families, leisure travelers and business travelers alike. The rooms are each equipped with a flat-panel TV, plush bedding and complimentary Wi-Fi access, not to mention scenic views overlooking the harbor or the heart of the city. Many travelers compliment the staff's friendliness and eagerness to help guests enjoy their stay. Three on-site restaurants — The mark, The Pacific Restaurant & Terrace and the Courtyard Cafe — run the gamut from quick deli sandwiches and bistro fare to upscale wining and dining. The hotel's health club boasts a cardio and weight room, along with a 25-meter indoor lap pool, steam room and sauna, plus a room for yoga and step aerobics classes (offered for an extra fee). Plus, the SORA Spa encourages relaxation with its Asian-inspired treatments like Thai massages and Asia Pacific pedicures.

Perched along the Parksville beachfront on the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Beach Club Resort's convenient location and stunning views are what fuels guests' return trips, they say. All rooms offer private balconies with ocean, mountain or city views, along with flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, minifridges and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests have the option of a studio, one- or two-bedroom suite, tower suite, beachfront villa suite or penthouse during their stay. Both kids and adults can take advantage of the beachfront indoor pool and hot tub, while those looking to relax can check out the treatments at the Stonewater Spa. Once you work up an appetite, head to the hotel's Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge for decadent (albeit a bit pricey, according to some travelers) entrees. You'll be able to savor the beach views along with your dinner at the restaurant, which specializes in steaks. Pick your cut and choose between a red wine jus, chasseur, béarnaise or green peppercorn sauce to top off the dish.

Located about 14 miles northwest of downtown Victoria, Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is praised by guests for its serene atmosphere, ornately decorated rooms and bevy of amenities. Each room comes with water views, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, and a jetted tub and separate shower. Meanwhile, the spa offers a variety of health and beauty services, including massages, facials, body wraps and couples treatments. Many visitors say this hotel's emphasis on privacy and relaxation makes it perfect for a romantic getaway. Past lodgers are just as complimentary of the dining options. The Dining Room restaurant provides guests with a plethora of fresh regional dishes. Meanwhile, Brentwood Pub offers lighter fare and locally crafted beers, along with picturesque vantage points of the Marina. And if you want to explore more of the marina, you can rent one of the hotel's kayaks and paddle your own way.

Recent guests agree the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort's best feature is its location — you'll experience sweeping Pacific Ocean and rainforest views from your balcony, bedroom and even some bathrooms. Located in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, this hotel's modern decor and clean, tidy accommodations delight guests as well. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort offers studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, all of which include kitchens, gas fireplaces and complimentary Internet access; bathrooms feature heated floors, deep soaker tubs and separate showers. While Fetch Restaurant is on the premises, travelers warn the menu is limited and rather pricey. Instead, save your money for a rejuvenating massage or facial at the Drift Spa, which previous visitors say is well worth the splurge.